ARKQ vs VTI
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ARKQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.42% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.14% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.76% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.75% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
ARKQ vs VTI Performance
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARKQ returned +30.14% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, ARKQ is up 4.42% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, ARKQ compounded at +32.76% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.75% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ARKQ has the edge at +17.35% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.5% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -59.9% for ARKQ and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKQ charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKQ currently yields 0.27% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ARKQ and VTI share 28 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKQ or VTI?
ARKQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKQ or VTI?
Over the past year ARKQ returned +30.14% vs +21.39% for VTI, so ARKQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ARKQ annualized +17.35% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKQ or VTI?
ARKQ has been the more volatile fund at 27.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ARKQ -59.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ARKQ and VTI?
ARKQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKQ and VTI?
ARKQ and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 15.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKQ or VTI?
ARKQ yields 0.27% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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